single means claim意思是個別（孤單）手段的權利主張，也就是，當權利範圍引用另一個權利範圍時，若引用的內容中有並未出現在另一權利範圍的組合中的手段，就產生「個別手段」，即產生不當廣度的問題（undue breadth），因此會引用35USC112,first paragraph核駁該項範圍。
個別手段即便結合了其他可理解的手段，但是可能會造成非(non-enabling)實現發明人在說明書所揭露的技術目的
此類核駁可透過修正依附關係或是修訂範圍。
參考法條：
MPEP 2164.08(a) Single Means Claim
A single means claim, i.e., where a means recitation does not appear in combination with another recited element of means, is subject to an undue breadth rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph. In re Hyatt, 708 F.2d 712, 714-715, 218 USPQ 195, 197 (Fed. Cir. 1983) (A single means claim which covered every conceivable means for achieving the stated purpose was held nonenabling for the scope of the claim because the specification disclosed at most only those means known to the inventor.). When claims depend on a recited property, a fact situation comparable to Hyatt is possible, where the claim covers every conceivable structure (means) for achieving the stated property (result) while the specification discloses at most only those known to the inventor.
§112. Specification
(First Paragraph)
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
專利說明書應包括發明的描述, 如製作或是使用該發明的方式, 內容需完整（確實揭露）, 清楚（使熟悉技術的人可以明瞭）, 簡潔（避免冗句）, 用正確的用語（使用該領域常用的名詞）, 讓該領域的技術人員可以據以實施, 並提出最佳實施態樣（best mode）
Ron
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